Latest news with #PlatformHousingGroup
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'We can't sell our house and now bills are stacking up' say couple
A heartbroken family say they cannot sell their home because a housing association failed to register the property and now fear they will be made bankrupt as bills mount. Kevin Doesburg said he and his partner have been trying to sell the semi-detached home in The Fairway in Worcester for a year and a half but an unforeseen legal hurdle is preventing the sale from happening. Buyers have had to pull out because Platform Housing Group has not registered the property with HM Land Registry, he said, as he pushes for an urgent solution. Platform has apologised for the frustration and is aiming to find a resolution. SALE: 34 The Fairway (left side semi-detached house) in Worcester has not sold because of a legal issue over the boundary which means it has not been registered with HM Land Registry (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos) However, he understands a legal issue with the boundary, specifically the 'lining and fencing', is causing the delay in registering the property and said there seems no end in sight. The 43-year-old restaurant manager, who used to work at the sushi counter at Waitrose in London Road, is now living in Sweden with his partner, 42, and two children. They now fear the delay is pushing them into a 'dire situation' financially and he has even called their predicament 'hopeless'. He told the Worcester News: "We just want to finish this so we can get on with our lives. "It's very stressful and the expenses in Worcester are beginning to mount. Every month we are paying in Sweden and in the UK. "Platform don't want to take any responsibility for any of this. My main concern is bankruptcy." HELP: Cllr Andrew Cross said he hopes the family trying to sell 34 The Fairway in Worcester will reach out to him and he will do what he can to help (Image: Supplied by Green Party) He understands the issue is a legal one involving a boundary fence which Platform is investigating. But in the meantime, bills are stacking up - £16,000 over the last year and a half for the mortgage, £8,000 in rent and around £2,500 in council tax. The £340,000 property, which is in Mr Doesburg's partner's name, is shared ownership. She owns 65 per cent of the house while Platform own the rest (meaning they also have to pay Platform rent). "We are starting to get letters from debt collectors," he said. They moved into the property in Worcester in 2022 and moved out in January last year to begin a new life in Borlänge in Sweden. RECOMMENDED READING: Platform Housing Group: Crowle housing scheme a rural model RECOMMENDED READING: Leigh Sinton barn conversion could be yours for £475K They found a buyer for their house in Worcester in April last year but they pulled out because of the unresolved land registry issue. A new buyer is also interested, but the mortgage application is about to expire. Laura Osborne, director of sales and marketing for Platform Housing, said: 'I am sorry for the frustration this is causing our resident and we are treating the matter as a priority to resolve it as quickly as possible. "We're continuing work on this technical issue with the land registry through our external solicitors with the aim of finding a resolution. We'll continue to keep Mr Doesbury updated on the situation.' Cllr Andrew Cross, a Green Party city councillor for Leopard Hill, who has been meeting with other residents in The Fairway urged Mr Doesburg to get in touch with him directly. Cllr Cross said: "Katie Collier and I are here to help and this is the sort of issue we would be happy to help with."
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Colleagues pay tribute to 'inspiration' who is retiring aged 81
An 81-year-old woman is retiring from her job after more than 30 years of service. Jean Webb has been described as "an inspiration" to those who have worked with her at Platform Housing Group, where she has been employed since 1992. She joined the company, which was previously known as Sanctuary, Hanover, and Shaftsbury, as a temporary employee to help with PAT testing school contracts. But she quickly became a permanent member of the team, and was described as "indispensable" by the company. She worked various roles including working in the Fleet team, technical services, and grounds maintenance. Her dedication to the job and her colleagues has been praised by many. Ms Webb said that her work was a source of strength for her after the loss of her daughter, and that it helped her through a difficult time in her life. She only decided to retire this year. On her retirement, Ms Webb said: "My work has been varied and a challenge at times, but I've enjoyed every minute. "Matt Neale is a very considerate manager and I've really enjoyed working for him." Outside of work, Ms Webb is an active person, enjoying cycling, playing skittles, and green bowling. She also regularly walks her granddaughter's dog. She said that she has no plans to slow down in retirement, and is even considering a part-time role. Matthew Neale, head of fleet at Platform Housing Group, said: "After 31 incredible years of service, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jean for her unwavering dedication, kindness and tireless commitment. "Her impact has reached far beyond her role, touching the lives of colleagues, customers, and communities alike. "Jean's legacy at Platform will be remembered not just in the work she accomplished, but in the way she made people feel supported, heard, and valued. "Thank you, Jean, you leave behind not just a career to be proud of, but an inspiration to us all."
